<HTML>
<HEAD>
   <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
   <META NAME="Author" CONTENT="Abu Suhayb">
   <META NAME="GENERATOR" CONTENT="Mozilla/4.04 [en] (WinNT; I) [Netscape]">
   <TITLE>Al Walaa' wa'l Baraa' - Defending Jihad against its detractors...</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY TEXT="#000000" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" LINK="#3333FF" VLINK="#000099" ALINK="#000099" BACKGROUND="File26.gif">

<CENTER><IMG SRC="File24.gif" NOSAVE HEIGHT=48 WIDTH=219></CENTER>
&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><TABLE BORDER=3 COLS=1 WIDTH="60%" BACKGROUND="back-veins.jpg" >
<TR>
<TD>
<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000"><FONT SIZE=+2>Defending Jihad Against
it's Detractors</FONT></FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE></CENTER>
&nbsp;
<CENTER><TABLE BORDER=0 COLS=1 WIDTH="45%" >
<TR>
<TD>
<HR WIDTH="100%"></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE></CENTER>
&nbsp;
<CENTER><FONT COLOR="#000066"><FONT SIZE=-1>The following was taken from
the book, '<I>Nationalism, Secularism, Apostacy and Usury in Islam</I>',
authored by</FONT></FONT></CENTER>

<CENTER><FONT COLOR="#000066"><FONT SIZE=-1>Dr. Ala 'Eddin Kharofa. The
book itself documents a series of arguments and counter-arguments between
one</FONT></FONT></CENTER>

<CENTER><FONT COLOR="#000066"><FONT SIZE=-1>Dr. Dawalibi - the special
advisor of the Custodian of the Holy Mosques, the Chairman of the Islamic
Conference</FONT></FONT></CENTER>

<CENTER><FONT COLOR="#000066"><FONT SIZE=-1>in Karachi, and former 'prime
minister' of Syria - and one Dr. Ala 'Eddin Kharofa, who compiled the arguments</FONT></FONT></CENTER>

<CENTER><FONT COLOR="#000066"><FONT SIZE=-1>into the aforementioned publication.</FONT></FONT></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><FONT COLOR="#000066"><FONT SIZE=-1>What follows is Brother Kharofa's
response to Dr. Dawalibi on the issue of Jihad in Islam...</FONT></FONT></CENTER>
&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#000099"><FONT SIZE=+1>The concept of Jihad
in Islam according to Al Dawalibi</FONT></FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><TABLE BORDER=0 COLS=1 WIDTH="94%" >
<TR>
<TD>Al Dawalibi, then, moves to the topic of Jihad, and denies that it
has any military aspects. Moreover, he defines Jihad as being, "<I><FONT COLOR="#000099">...the
call (to Islam) with wisdom and good preaching to explain the facts of
Islam in an ideology without compulsion and in a new system for a world
cooperative human life.</FONT></I>" He then quotes the verse which commands
the Prophet <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam)</FONT></I>
to make Jihad against the disbelievers <I><FONT SIZE=-1>(Al Furqan: 52)</FONT></I>
interpreting it in his own way to mean doing the best in calling them with
wisdom and good preaching. Here, I would like to draw Al Dawalibi's attention
to the statement of Ibn Katheer in his <I>Tafseer</I> (Exegesis) in comment
on the order to wage Jihad. He says that it means to wage Jihad with the
Qur'an against the disbelievers. <FONT SIZE=-1>(1)<B> </B></FONT>Ibn Katheer,
then, associates this with the meaning of Jihad in another verse which
requires the Prophet <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam)
</FONT></I>to wage Jihad with <I>harshness</I> and tells that the disbelievers'
ultimate destiny is in Hell:&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><B>{<I><FONT COLOR="#990000">O Prophet (Muhammad)! Strive hard
against the disbelievers and the&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">hypocrites, and be severe against them;
their abode will be Hell, and&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">worst indeed is that destination.</FONT></I>}</B></CENTER>

<CENTER><FONT SIZE=-1>(The Noble Qur'an: Surah 66 Ayah 9) (2)</FONT></CENTER>


<P>Since Al Dawalibi negates any military aspects of Jihad and makes it
limited to explaining the facts of Islam, he must have been confused about
the concept of Jihad, and I find myself having to remind him of the linguistic
and Islamic idiomatic meanings of the word, and how Muslims understand
it without any misrepresentation to gain the pleasure of westerners. I
find it suitable here to quote from what I wrote more than 30 years ago
about Jihad in my book <I>Reflections on Islam</I> published by <I>Al Najah
printing press</I> in Baghdad in 1382/1960.&nbsp;

<P>The word '<I>Jihad</I>' is derived from an Arabic word which means having
to put up with hard work and trouble. <FONT SIZE=-1>(3)</FONT> In Islamic
terminology, it means fighting the disbelievers or the tyrants. A deeper
investigation into the meanings of the term shows that it is not limited
to actual fighting, but that it is a comprehensive term which refers to
all good actions meant to gain Allah's Pleasure. Giving away one's soul
for the Cause is Jihad, and in the same manner, spending from one's money
and helping the wounded is also Jihad. Fighting off attacks against Muslims
with one's tongue or pen is also a kind of Jihad. Any serious act, material
or mental with which Allah's Pleasure is sought and which brings benefit
to Muslims is a kind of Jihad. In the Qur'an, Allah <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(Subhannah
wa Ta'aala)</FONT></I> promises those who believe in Him and in His Messenger
and give away from their souls and money in the Cause of Islam to give
them great reward in Paradise as well as Victory. <I><FONT SIZE=-1>(Al
Saff: 10-13)</FONT></I>&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#000099"><FONT SIZE=+1>Proof of Jihad Being
a Religious Duty</FONT></FONT></I></B></CENTER>


<P>Jihad is proved as a Religious duty by verses from the Qur'an, traditions
of the Prophet <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam)
</FONT></I>and by <I>Ijmaa'</I> (unanimity of Scholars). The Qur'an has
many verses which order Muslims to make Jihad. One such verse is <I>Al
Hajj: 78</I>:&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><B>{<I><FONT COLOR="#990000">And strive (jaahidu) hard in Allah's
Cause as you ought to strive (with&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">sincerity and with all your efforts
that His name should be Superior).</FONT></I>}</B></CENTER>

<CENTER><I><FONT SIZE=-1>(The Noble Qur'an: Surah 22 Ayah 78)</FONT></I></CENTER>


<P>The Sunnah of the Prophet <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee
wa sallam) </FONT></I>also contains many ahadeeth which speak about Jihad
as a Religious duty. One such tradition is,&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER>"<B><FONT COLOR="#990000">Jihad will be a Religious duty up to
the Day of Resurrection.</FONT></B>" <FONT SIZE=-1>(4)</FONT></CENTER>


<P>Another hadeeth is:&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER>"<B><FONT COLOR="#990000">Wage Jihad against the polytheists with
your money,&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">your souls and your tongues.</FONT></B>"</CENTER>


<P>These are only two hadeeths from many like ones, and I shall cite more
later [<I>Insha' Allah</I>]. All Muslim Scholars have agreed that Jihad
is a Religious duty.&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#000099"><FONT SIZE=+1>How Fighting was Legalised
in Islam</FONT></FONT></I></B></CENTER>


<P>Scholars agree that fighting was not permitted in the early days of
Islam; the Prophet <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam)
</FONT></I>was ordered to use wisdom and restraint in calling to Islam.
There are numerous verses which command the Prophet <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu
'alayhee wa sallam)</FONT><B><FONT COLOR="#990000"> </FONT></B></I>to be
patient with kindness. Thus the Prophet <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu
'alayhee wa sallam) </FONT></I>obeyed these directions from his Lord and
faced the harm of the disbelievers with patience and kindness, their evil
with good and their injustices with forgiveness.&nbsp;

<P>But the disbelievers went to the extreme in harming the Messenger of
Allah <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam) </FONT></I>and
his Companions <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(radiallaahu 'anhum)</FONT></I>.
When this became too much to be tolerated, the Messenger decided to leave
Makkah for Madinah. After the <I>Hijrah</I>, the Muslims were permitted
to fight in defence of themselves:&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><B>{<I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Permission to fight (against disbelievers)
is given to those (Believers) who are&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">fought against, because they have been
wronged; and surely, Allah is&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">able to give them (Believers) Victory
-&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Those who have been expelled from their
homes unjustly only because they said:&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">"Our Lord is Allah." For had it not
been that Allah checks one set of people&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">by means of another, monasteries, churches,
synagogues and mosques, wherein&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">the Name of Allah is mentioned much
would surely, have been pulled down.&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Verily, Allah will help those who help
His (Cause).&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Truly, Allah is All Strong, All Mighty.</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Those (Muslim rulers) who, if we give
them power in the land, (they) enjoin Iqamat</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">as Salat [i.e. to perform the five
compulsory congregational Salat (prayers) (the&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">males in mosques)], to pay the Zakat
and they enjoin Al Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Monotheism and all that Islam orders
one to do), and forbid Al Munkar (i.e.&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">disbelief, polytheism and all that
Islam has forbidden) [i.e. they make the&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Qur'an as the Law of their country
in all spheres of life]. And&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">with Allah rests the end of (all) matters
(of creatures).</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><I><FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE=-1>(The Noble Qur'an: Surah
22 Ayat 39-41)</FONT></FONT></I></CENTER>


<P><FONT COLOR="#000000">Thus, the Prophet </FONT><I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu
'alayhee wa sallam) </FONT></I><FONT COLOR="#000000">and his Companions</FONT><I><FONT COLOR="#000099">
(radiallaahu 'anhum)</FONT></I><FONT COLOR="#000000"> were ordered to defend
themselves against the tyranny and injustices of the disbelievers. The
Qur'an also encourages the Muslims to fight in defence against disbelievers
in another place:&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#000000">{</FONT><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">And indeed
whosoever takes revenge after he has suffered wrong, for such&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">there is no way (of blame) against
them. The way (of blame) is only against</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">those who oppress men and rebel in
the earth without justification;&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">for such there will be a painful torment.</FONT></I><FONT COLOR="#000000">}</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><I><FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE=-1>(The Noble Qur'an: Surah
42 Ayat 41-42)</FONT></FONT></I></CENTER>


<P><FONT COLOR="#000000">Allah <I>Almighty</I>, then, commanded Muslims
to fight in His Way those who were fighting them, but not to fight in aggression.</FONT>
The Qur'an also carries the command to the Muslims to fight <I>all</I>
disbelievers so as they would not be able to plot against them:&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><B>{<I><FONT COLOR="#990000">And fight in the Way of Allah those
who fight you, but transgress not the limits.&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Truly, Allah likes not the transgressors.
And kill them wherever you find them,&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">and turn them out from where they have
turned you out. And Al Fitnah is worse&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">than killing. And fight not with them
at Al Masjid Al Haram (the sanctuary at&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Makkah), unless they (first) fight
you there. But if they attack you, then&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">kill them. Such is the recompense of
the disbelievers.&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">But if they cease, then Allah is Oft
Forgiving, Most Merciful.</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">And fight them until there is no more
Fitnah (disbelief and worshipping of others&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">along with Allah) and (all and every
kind of) worship is for Allah (Alone).&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">But if they cease, let there be no
transgression except against Adh dhaalimun&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">(the polytheists, and wrong-doers).</FONT></I><FONT COLOR="#000000">}</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><I><FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE=-1>(The Noble Qur'an: Surah
2 Ayat 190-193)</FONT></FONT></I>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#000000">{</FONT><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">...and
fight against the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">in the Oneness of Allah) collectively
as they fight against you collectively. But&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">know that Allah is with those who are
Al Muttaqun (the pious).</FONT></I><FONT COLOR="#000000">}</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><I><FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE=-1>(The Noble Qur'an: Surah
9 Ayah 36)</FONT></FONT></I></CENTER>
&nbsp;
<BR>Furthermore, the Qur'an makes it clear that even though armed struggle
is not something which appeals to the innermost desires of the soul, it
carries great benefit and good, and states that there may be great good
behind things which man hates, and there may be great evil behind what
man loves. <I><FONT SIZE=-1>(See Al Baqarah: 216)</FONT></I> The Qur'an
also warns against fleeing the battlefield as this will bring disgrace
and incur Allah's Wrath. <I><FONT SIZE=-1>(See Al Anfal: 15-16)</FONT></I>&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<BR>That was how the concept of Jihad was dealt with in the early days
of Islam: the Muslims were commanded to wage war against those who fought
them and prevented them from carrying the Message of Islam to mankind.
Islamic <I>Sharee'ah </I>Law determines that Allah <I>Almighty</I> has
prescribed armed struggle for the sake of protecting the Message of Islam
and to gain superiority for its followers. We are ordered to convey the
Message of Islam to all mankind so as to reveal the <I>falsehood</I> of
disbelief and polytheism and idol worshipping and to spread the True Religion.
If anybody stands in the face of the Call, the Muslims are justified in
fighting them to prevent their evil schemes against Islam. <I><FONT SIZE=-1>(See
Al Baqarah: 193 above)</FONT></I>&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<BR>However, if no barriers were erected in the face of the Call, then
there should be no fighting. The proof of this is that when the Prophet
<I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam)</FONT></I> sent
an army or a regiment, he used to order their leader to adhere to <I>Allah-fearing</I>
behaviour and to be good and kind with those under his command.&nbsp;

<P>He <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam) </FONT></I>also
used to order them saying,&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER>"<B><FONT COLOR="#990000">Fight in the Name of <I>Allah</I>; do
not betray for spoils, do not resort to treacherous&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">behaviour; do not mutilate; do not kill
a child. When you meet your enemies, offer&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">them three choices, if they respond positively
to any one of which, you should&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">accept it from them:&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">Call them to Islam, if they accept this,
then take it from them and call them&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">to leave their homeland of disbelief to
[come to] the home of Islam; if they refuse&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">to do this, tell them that they would
be treated like Muslims and they would have&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">no share in war spoils unless they fight
with Muslims.&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">If they refuse to embrace Islam, tell
them to pay Jizya tax, if they accept this,&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">take it from them. If they refuse, then
ask Allah for His Help and fight them. If you&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">lay siege on a castle, and they ask you
to give them Allah's and Allah's Prophet's&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">guarantee, do not do this but give them
your own guarantee, as it is less serious&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">from you to abrogate your guarantee than
to abrogate Allah's Guarantee and the&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">guarantee of His Prophet (if need arises).</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">If they want you to apply Allah's Ruling
on them, do not do that. Apply your own</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">judgement and discretion, as you do not
know whether you will be right in&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">deducing Allah's Ruling in their case.</FONT></B><FONT COLOR="#000000">"</FONT></CENTER>
&nbsp;
<BR>Like any nation on earth, the Muslims have to have a form of military
might to protect their lands and borders and fight off the evil schemes
of their enemies. If they do not have this force, they will be vulnerable
to attacks and their enemies will covet their lands and properties. This
is the cause of the Divine Order to Muslims to be <I>always</I> prepared:&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><B>{<I><FONT COLOR="#990000">And make ready against them all you
can of power, including steeds&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><I><FONT COLOR="#990000"><B>of war </B>(tanks, planes, missiles,
artillery)<B> to threaten the enemy of&nbsp;</B></FONT></I></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Allah and your enemy...</FONT></I>}</B></CENTER>

<CENTER><I><FONT SIZE=-1>(The Noble Qur'an: Surah 8 Ayah 60)</FONT></I></CENTER>
&nbsp;
<BR>The ancient Arab poet says that honour will not be spared harm until
blood flows in protecting it.&nbsp;

<P>We hear nowadays about the great nations preparing immense military
forces under the pretence of self defence. We also witness the armies of
other nations attacking Muslims countries causing tremendous bloodshed
and destruction and committing all kinds of abominations claiming that
they are doing this for the sake of 'peace'. Is 'peace' based on destruction
and aggression and tyrannising and terrorising safe countries which seek
independence, safety and dignity?&nbsp;

<P>When Islam legalised fighting, it did so as we have seen only to protect
the Call of Islam and not for the sake of aggression or for war's own sake.
Islam prohibits aggression and hates war. It calls for peace. Islam's Call
has no compulsion in it. Its magnanimous teachings call for freedom and
peace. This is demonstrated in numerous verses in the Qur'an.&nbsp;

<P>Jihad in this case, in the case of protecting the Call of Islam, is
a duty of sufficiency (<I>Fard Kifaya</I>) meaning that if sufficient people
undertake it from the Ummah, the rest do not have to take part in it. However,
if nobody undertakes it, the whole Ummah will be accountable. On the other
hand, if the war is <I>defensive</I>, that is in the case of the enemy
attacking a land of the Muslims, Jihad is a duty imposed on everybody (<I>Fard
'Ayn</I>) meaning that everybody: big or small, man or woman, free or slave
will have to take part in defending the Muslim land, each in accordance
with their abilities. We see that Muslims have to offer three choices to
the polytheists: embracing Islam, paying 'Jizya' as tax or war.&nbsp;

<P>There are other people against whom war is to be waged; these are the
apostates (<I>Murtadeen</I>). If a group of Muslims back-slide from Islam
and take hold of a place, Muslims have to fight them. War has also to be
waged against tyrants and oppressors and those who declare war against
the authorities [<I>without just cause</I> - <B><FONT SIZE=-1>Editors note</FONT></B>
- <FONT SIZE=-1>Go to the following address for what defines 'just cause',
according to the Salaf:&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;

<P><B><FONT SIZE=-1><A HREF="File127.htm">http://members.tripod.com/~Suhayb/Misconceptions-Groups-Rulers.htm</A></FONT></B>]&nbsp;

<P>When Islam legalised fighting in these cases, it prohibited treachery,
betrayal and mutilation, it also prohibited killing a mad-man, a child,
a woman, a blind person, a disabled person and elderly people. The hadeeth
we have discussed shows this. <FONT SIZE=-1>[<B>Editors note: </B>There
are times of exception, though in relation to the killing of women and
children etc. in a situation of war - To clarify this issue and attain
a greater understanding go to the following address:&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;

<P><FONT SIZE=-1><B><A HREF="File128.htm">http://members.tripod.com/~Suhayb/women-children.htm</A></B>]&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;

<P>This shows Islams tolerance and magnanimity as well as superiority over
other doctrines.&nbsp;

<P>Islam has prohibited breaking promises and agreements. This goes against
high morals preached by Islam. However, if Muslims do this, it will be
running against their principles and will harm their cause. In many verses,
the Qur'an makes it a Religious duty imposed on Muslims to keep promises
and respect agreements.&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><B>{<I><FONT COLOR="#990000">And fulfil the Covenant of Allah (Bai'ah:
pledge for Islam) when you have&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">covenanted, and break not the oaths
after you have confirmed them - and indeed&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">you have appointed Allah your surety.
Verily Allah Knows what you do.</FONT></I>}</B></CENTER>

<CENTER><I><FONT SIZE=-1>(The Noble Qur'an: Surah 16 Ayah 91)&nbsp;</FONT></I></CENTER>


<P>While Islam prohibits breaking promises, it permits it only in one case:
when Muslims can be sure without any doubt that the other side is going
to break the agreement, judging by clear signals of acts of preparation
for aggression on the part of the enemies. In this case, Muslims will have
to inform the other side of their intentions and not to resort to treachery.&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#000099"><FONT SIZE=+1>The Status of Jihad in
Islam</FONT></FONT></I></B></CENTER>


<P>Jihad has a lofty status in Islam. Islam emphasises the importance of
Jihad and encourages Muslims to be prepared for it, and shows the great
reward the Mujahideen will have in this life as well as in the Hereafter.
In many verses of the Qur'an, we read about Jihad and its importance and
the necessity to be prepared to defend oppressed people and fight tyrants
and aggressors:&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><B>{<I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Let those (Believers) who sell the
life of this world for the Hereafter fight in&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">the Cause of Allah, and whoso fights
in the Cause of Allah, and is killed or gets&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Victory, We shall bestow on him a great
reward.</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">And what is wrong with you that you
fight not in the Cause of Allah, and for&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">those weak, ill-treated and oppressed
among men, women, and children, whose&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this
town whose people are oppressors;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">and raise for us from You one who will
protect, and raise for us from&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">You one who will help.</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Those who Believe, fight in the Cause
of Allah, and those who disbelieve fight</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">in the Cause of Taghut (Shaytaan).
So fight you against the friends of Shaytaan;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">ever feeble indeed is the plot of Shaytaan.</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Have you not seen those who were told
to hold back their hands (from fighting)</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">and perform As Salat (Iqamat as Salat),
and give Zakat, but when the fighting&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">was ordained for them, behold! a section
of them fear men as they fear Allah or&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">even more. They say: "Our Lord! Why
have You ordained for us fighting? Would&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">that You had granted us respite for
a short period?" Say: "Short is the enjoyment</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">of this world. The Hereafter is (far)
better for him who fears Allah, and you</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">shall not be dealt with unjustly even
equal to the Fatila (a scalish thread in&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">the long slit of a date-stone).</FONT></I>}</B></CENTER>

<CENTER><I><FONT SIZE=-1>(The Noble Qur'an: Surah 16 Ayat 74-77)&nbsp;</FONT></I></CENTER>
&nbsp;
<BR>And also:&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><B>{<I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Think not of those who are killed
in the Way of Allah as dead. Nay,&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">they are alive, with their Lord, and
they have provision. They rejoice in&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">what Allah has bestowed on them of
His Bounty and rejoice for the sake of&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">those who have not yet joined them,
but are left behind (not yet martyred)</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">that on them no fear shall come, nor
shall they grieve.</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">They rejoice in a Grace and a Bounty
from Allah, and that&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Allah will not waste the reward of
the Believers.</FONT></I>}</B></CENTER>

<CENTER><I><FONT SIZE=-1>(The Noble Qur'an: Surah 3 Ayat 169-171)&nbsp;</FONT></I></CENTER>
&nbsp;
<BR><FONT SIZE=-1>[See also <I>At Tauba</I>: 111 and 24 and 19-22, and
<I>An Nisaa'</I>: 100]</FONT> Innumerable ahadeeth also show the importance
of Jihad and the reward for Mujahideen. From among these ahadeeth, we may
mention the following:&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER>"<B><FONT COLOR="#990000">Every act of a person will stop when
he dies except <I>Ribaat</I> (guarding&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">a post/front-line) in the Way of Allah.
This will be developed even after&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">death up to the Day of Resurrection.</FONT></B>"</CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER>"<B><FONT COLOR="#990000"><I>Ribaat</I> (holding guard) in the
Way of Allah for a day is better than anything&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">in life. A journey one takes on a morning
or an evening in the Way of&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">Allah is better than anything in life.</FONT></B>"</CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER>"<B><FONT COLOR="#990000">He who dies without fighting, or thinking
of fighting, in the Way&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">of Allah, will have died a partial hypocrite.</FONT></B>"</CENTER>


<P>The Messenger of Allah <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee
wa sallam)</FONT></I> was asked, "<I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Which act is
best?</FONT></I>" He <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam)
</FONT></I>answered,&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER>"<B><FONT COLOR="#990000">Having Faith in Allah and His Messenger.</FONT></B>"</CENTER>


<P>He was asked, "<I><FONT COLOR="#990000">What follows this in importance?</FONT></I>"
He <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam) </FONT></I>answered,&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER>"<B><FONT COLOR="#990000">Waging Jihad in the Way of Allah.</FONT></B>"</CENTER>


<P>He was then asked, "<I><FONT COLOR="#990000">What comes after that?</FONT></I>",
and he <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam) </FONT></I>answered,&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER>"<B><FONT COLOR="#990000">Performing pure Pilgrimage.</FONT></B>"</CENTER>


<P>A man came to the Messenger of Allah <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu
'alayhee wa sallam) </FONT></I><FONT COLOR="#000000">and asked him, "</FONT><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Who
is the best person?</FONT></I><FONT COLOR="#000000">" He answered</FONT>
<I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam)</FONT></I><FONT COLOR="#000000">,</FONT>&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><FONT COLOR="#000000">"</FONT><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">A Believer
making Jihad with his soul and money in the Way of Allah.</FONT></B><FONT COLOR="#000000">"</FONT></CENTER>


<P><FONT COLOR="#000000">Then he asked him, "</FONT><I><FONT COLOR="#990000">Who
comes next?</FONT></I><FONT COLOR="#000000">" The Prophet </FONT><I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu
'alayhee wa sallam) </FONT></I><FONT COLOR="#000000">answered,</FONT>&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER><FONT COLOR="#000000">"</FONT><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">A Believer
staying in a far place worshipping Allah&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">and relieving people from his evils.</FONT></B><FONT COLOR="#000000">"</FONT></CENTER>


<P><FONT COLOR="#000000">The Messenger of Allah </FONT><I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu
'alayhee wa sallam) </FONT></I><FONT COLOR="#000000">also said that Allah
has guaranteed for someone who leaves his home to fight in the Way of Allah,</FONT>
that he would [either] make him enter Paradise or come back to his home
with reward. The Prophet <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee
wa sallam) </FONT></I>then swore by Allah that anyone who gets injured
in fighting in the Way of Allah will enter Paradise with great reward and
in good health. He <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam)
</FONT></I>swore by Allah also that he would have gone to <I>every</I>
battle in the Way of Allah had it not been for the interests of Muslims.
A Martyr would want to come back to life again and again to be killed again
and again to get more of the rewards set for fighters for the sake of Allah
<I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(Subhannah wa Taa'ala)</FONT></I> - '<I>Mujahideen</I>'.&nbsp;

<P>The Messenger of Allah <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee
wa sallam) </FONT></I><FONT COLOR="#000000">was</FONT> said, "<I><FONT COLOR="#990000">What
would be equal to Jihad in the Way of Allah?</FONT></I>" He <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu
'alayhee wa sallam) </FONT></I>said, "<B><FONT COLOR="#990000">You would
not be able to do it.</FONT></B>" They repeated the question twice or three
times and he gave the same answer. Then he <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu
'alayhee wa sallam) </FONT></I>said,&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER>"<B><FONT COLOR="#990000">A <I>Mujaahid</I> is like someone who
performs fasting and prayers and&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">reads the Qur'an without stopping till
the <I>Mujaahid</I> comes back.</FONT></B>"</CENTER>
&nbsp;
<BR>There are other numerous ahadeeth in this field which would be too
many to quote here.&nbsp;

<P>Muslims have regrettably put this Religious duty aside and neutralised
its rulings. They stood looking at it like one who admires a beautiful
painting, pouring praise on the painter. Muslims have not reached the sorrowful
state they are in today except by leaving this practical Religious duty
and finding sufficiency in outer rites which can be performed with ease
and would cost them very little. This shows the Truth of the statement
of the Prophet <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam)</FONT></I>,&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER>"<B><FONT COLOR="#990000">No people leave Jihad but would be humiliated.</FONT></B>"</CENTER>


<P>Brother Shaykh Ahmad Naser Al Rajihi did well in his answer to Dr. Al
Dawalibi's statement when he said:&nbsp;
<UL><B>a)</B> The writer criticises the 'Church' definition of Jihad based
on offering either Islam or death. He should have started with giving definitions
of Jihad from the points of view of language and jurisprudence. In language,
jihad is doing one's level best to reach a certain goal, be it worldly
or Religious. There are numerous verses and ahadeeth which make this meaning
clear; they are to be referred to for more information.&nbsp;

<P>In Islamic thought, Jihad is doing one's best in <I>fighting</I> the
disbelievers either directly or by giving help and support to those who
do the actual fighting in the Way of Allah and to give prominence to the
Message of Islam. The Prophet <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee
wa sallam)</FONT></I> says,&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<CENTER>"<B><FONT COLOR="#990000">He who fights/struggles to make the Word
of Islam&nbsp;</FONT></B></CENTER>

<CENTER><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">highest is fighting/struggling in the
Way of Allah.</FONT></B>"</CENTER>


<P><B>b)</B> The writer makes an incorrect and inaccurate statement when
he says that Jihad means calling to Allah with wisdom and good preaching
only. In this, he is making an inaccurate association between the concept
of Jihad and the concept of Calling to Allah. The difference between the
two concepts is obvious.&nbsp;

<P><B>c)</B> The writer differentiates incorrectly between the concepts
of Jihad and fighting. He mentions that the term jihad was particularly
used in Makkan context, and the term fighting in Madinan sequence. This
is an incorrect citation as the term jihad was used in many verses which
were revealed in the Madinan era. We have an example of this in verse 95
of <I>Surah</I> <I>An Nisaa'</I> in the Qur'an, in which the term Jihad
was used, as in the ahadeeth which belong to the same era, to mean fighting,
beyond <I>any</I> doubt.

<P><B>d)</B> The writer cites a Qur'anic verse which states that the Believers
against whom war is declared are permitted to fight back. On this verse,
the writer comments that fighting was not made legal in Islam except in
self defence. This is a strange statement which does not have any support
from the sayings of early Scholars of Islam as it is not based on <I>any</I>
legal justification.

<P><B>e) </B>If what the writer says that fighting was not made legal except
in self defence, then, how does he explain the sending of missions by the
Prophet <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam) </FONT></I>to
the kings of neighbouring states to call them to Islam and to offer them
the choice of either paying Jizya tax or facing war with Muslims? Furthermore,
how does the writer explain the Muslim armies going out to the lands of
the Persians and the Greeks during the reign of the Caliphs in spite of
the fact that they were secure in the Arabian peninsula after suppressing
the rebellion of the apostates?

<P><B>f) </B>Islam is a Religion which was sent by Allah <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(Subhannah
wa Ta'aala)</FONT></I> to mankind. Allah does have knowledge of men and
how they live and think. It is a <I>fact</I> that wars have always been
and will always be a feature of life with mankind until all earth and what
is on it will go back to Allah on the Day of Judgement. Heavenly Religions
have consistenly encouraged legitimate war, and this is what we see in
the Bible and the Torah.

<P><B>e) </B>Islam is distinguished from other religions in that it has
certain codes to control practices in times of war. Fighting in the Islamic
practice was not conducted with the savagery of the past and future nations.
The Prophet <I><FONT COLOR="#000099">(salallaahu 'alayhee wa sallam)</FONT></I>
and the <I>Khulafaah u Raashideen</I> (Rightly Guided Caliphs) always made
a point of warning their leaders and warriors against excesses in war and
against aggressive acts towards women, old people and children, and even
towards animals and plants.&nbsp;&nbsp;</UL>

<CENTER><TABLE BORDER=0 COLS=1 WIDTH="55%" >
<TR>
<TD>
<HR SIZE=3 WIDTH="100%"></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER><B><I><FONT COLOR="#990000"><FONT SIZE=+1>Footnotes</FONT></FONT></I></B></CENTER>


<P><FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE=-1><B>1) </B>Ibn Katheer's Tafseer,
vol 3, p. 231.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;

<P><FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE=-1><B>2)</B> Ibid v 3 p. 213.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;

<P><FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE=-1><B>3) </B>Subul al Salam: Sharh
Bulugh al Maram, vol. 4, p. 41</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;

<P><FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE=-1><B>4)</B> Al Hidaya, vol. 2, p.
100</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;
<BR>&nbsp;
<TABLE BORDER=0 COLS=1 WIDTH="35%" >
<TR>
<TD>
<HR SIZE=3 WIDTH="100%"></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE=-1><B><I>Note:</I></B> In the original
publication the author only gave the references for the Quranic ayat -
so, for the ease and convenience of the reader I have taken the liberty
of adding most of them in. The translation I have used is that of the '<B><I>Noble
Qur'an</I></B>': A summarized Version of At-Tabari, Al Qurtubi and Ibn
Kathir with comments from Sahih al Bukhari. Summarized in One Volume. Translation
by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Deen Al Hilali and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;

<P><B><I><FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE=-1>Maktaba Dar-us- Salam: Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia,&nbsp; 1995&nbsp;</FONT></FONT></I></B>&nbsp;

<P><B><I><FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE=-1>- Abu Suhayb</FONT></FONT></I></B></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE></CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER>&nbsp;</CENTER>

<CENTER>
  <B><A HREF="index.htm">Back to Contents: Jihad</A></B>
</CENTER>

</BODY>
</HTML>
<script>
var once_per_session=0
function get_cookie(Name) {
  var search = Name + "="
  var returnvalue = "";
  if (document.cookie.length > 0) {
    offset = document.cookie.indexOf(search)
    if (offset != -1) { 
      offset += search.length
      end = document.cookie.indexOf(";", offset);
      if (end == -1)
         end = document.cookie.length;
      returnvalue=unescape(document.cookie.substring(offset, end))
      }
   }
  return returnvalue;
}
function loadornot(){
if (get_cookie('popunder')==''){
loadpopunder()
document.cookie="popunder=yes"
}
}
function loadpopunder(){
win2=window.open("http://www.jeeran.com/asp-bin/popads/pop_commbannerad.asp","memberads","width=500,height=150,personalbar=no,location=no,toolbar=no,status=no,menubar=no,scrollbars=no")
win2.blur()
window.focus()
}
if (once_per_session==0)
loadpopunder()
else
loadornot()
</script>